The Most Popular Entry Level Hardtail? Giant Fathom 29 2 First Look and Overview!

[@Buckaluckuh]

This is my second season on the Fathom 2 and I still love it! It's a great all around bike for trails, bikepacking, and racing. I did just develop the clicking noise in my fork after a solid year of riding it and have yet to hear back from giant's warranty team. The front chainring was also an issue for me out of the box but Praxxis stepped up with outstanding customer support and shipped me a new one no questions asked.

[@im_an_introvert0138]

I'm riding my 2021 Giant fathom 2 for over a year and I'm still loving the bike even though my fork has clicking sound. who cares. I still love it

[@BrunoUtermarkB]

Hi! How goes the fork? its only make noise or its runs bad?

[@im_an_introvert0138]

@@BrunoUtermarkB hi, I'm still using the fork and it still has that clunking sound. I just ignore it and just keep riding my bike 😁

[@BrunoUtermarkB]

haha great! i can live with that too! 😂@@im_an_introvert0138

[@stormingsharks]

Some people have the clicking noise, other people don't. I've had this bike for 1 1/2 years and for me, the clicking came and went. It didn't alter the bike's performance at all, and I was too grateful about owning it during the shortage (and still am now) to really notice it. The performance of it shines more on the XC end of things, but going down technical single tracks can be tricky sometimes, bc of how "tanky" it feels. It's slow around curves and banks, but it excels on long steep climbs. I've had the privilege to ride better bikes than this, but I humbly think this bike is worth its price for sure.

[@Forthetimebeing72]

It’s the wheels, the frame is light and strong

[@theadventuregamer6693]

The frame clicks because of the bb. It’s a pressfit. Not a threaded bb

[@kenny_kaos]

I love you Kyle, perfect amount of snark and self depreciation but great quality!

[@CobraKyle]

haha thanks so much Kenny! The exact blend of comedy I was going for lol

[@d.christopherhoover6153]

Been riding my 2021 for about 18 months now and it’s performed beyond any expectations for what I paid ($1300). Fork did start clicking, but found that it’s caused by the top part of the damper tapping against the underside of the plastic adjustment cap. Pop off the cap (careful not to let the tiny ball bearing drop out) and put some thin foam tape on the underside of the cap, no more clicking. Fork has been rock solid otherwise. The chainring was the only other issue. I now wish I had just emailed Praxis, because it’s not an easy replacement since the crankset uses a SRAM direct mount design, but you need a tooth profile that is compatible with the Shimano chain.

[@Forthetimebeing72]

Yeah email praxis and get the replacement or get an oval like I eventually did.

[@emiljakobsen2872]

@@Forthetimebeing72 was it easy to replace for you, and i dont know what it is called, if i need to search on KZbin “how to replace a xxx type of Chainring”

[@Forthetimebeing72]

Something crazy is I got this bike while waiting for a warranty salsa timberjack at the beginning of 2021. The fork started clicking first ride. I kept it till the salsa was warranted with the pink timberjack frame you has as well. Once the frame came in, I thought it was rough and not as good as the giant. So I put the crest in the salsa and other parts I didn’t want. Sold it for 1800 and purchased a z2 as well as wheels. We have had the same two hardtails lol.

[@DanyaAnderson]

I have this bike it's absolutely fabulous for trails and bikepacking... just replace the brakes asap. I'm going to contact praxis about the chain slip.

[@joemesserhd1]

I have the same Fathom 2 … 29er….. love the bike…. No problems with the Crest 34s and mine came with the correct offset “SRAM”… crank set…. Love the vid…. Keep riding safe and often 👍

[@szolekxxx]

may i ask what is the correct and non correct crest? im trying to buy this bike i want to be sure

[@pepeanza6187]

Jaja never trust the stickers,i have the fathom for more than a year change the fork after 3 months not because is fail Just because i want to upgrade to marzocchi z, the frame is bulletproof can handell anything a trail enduro full suspension bike can do, for me this is the best frame for a hardtail enduro you can have for your money the geometry is perfect and modern climb and decend awesome

[@SMathai]

I got the Fathom 1 in 2020 because it was available and MTB's were flying off shelves like crazy. I needed an upgrade that was as close to "best value", and was in stock. I got the last bike in this category in the store. I've gone to jump parks, black diamond trails, and now I'm setting it up for one week bikepacking. The fork got a clicking noise very recently (so 2 years of riding), but absolutely nothing changed in fork feel otherwise. Haven't modified any of the original components - just riding it as is. Fathom 1 gear train has been perfect, never missed a gear shift, and the dropper seat post is 10x better than my friend's seat post on bike costing 2.5x more than this one. So... yup, I'm happy I got the giant Fathom. Would I be happy with other value bikes in this category? Probably, but I never got the chance to ride or buy those ones!

[@dylanramsey5991]

My giant fathom was easy to find I tried it out and loved it it is a very good bike

[@dougbrandt2275]

I have a Fathom 2 from 2019. It’s a beast!

[@CobraKyle]

Right on! Good to know it's holding up!

[@matthewoppen1602]

Nice to hear about how it climbs I already considered my xtrada 7 a good climbing bike. I almost went for the fathom but polygon was blowing out their 2021 models at the time and it was just so much cheaper.

[@austinvoges2119]

They were blowing out the 2021s? What month? How much discount? I’d be curious if they will again this year.

[@DeandreMurray]

Third season on the Fathom 2, I love this bike, it handles all of my local trails and all of my skill advancements, someday I'll upgrade the fork, but really there is no need at all. My only gripe is the dropper, I'd like a little more travel on my L frame so the seat could go lower, but it works

[@CobraKyle]

Good to know! I just changed my dropper to a longer one a couple days ago. It's an upgrade I hate having to do, but it does look a lot cleaner.

[@erikd6124]

How are your knees handling the steep seat tube angle? I've just bought an orbea laufey, similar geo but my knees....

[@DeandreMurray]

@@erikd6124 personally, my knees are fine, I do have my saddle pushed pretty far forward as if recent but that was more to aid in powering up trail climbs. I'm 6'2 and honestly kinda wish I went with an XL and that's just from camparing specs from other manufacturers while I search for my second bike 😁

[@logic63]

I have a 2021 Fathom 2 and luckily I didn't have any fork noise issues.

[@milesludwig]

can you make a video of what the best trails in texas are?

[@harrygrimley4352]

Thanks for your honesty sir

[@CobraKyle]

Always! Thanks for always watching Harry!

[@PieterFret]

I've had a 2022 Fathom 2 29'er on order for months... It's supposed to be delivered in August, but you never know these days... Nice to hear your thoughts in the meantime! Makes me feel it'll at least be worth the wait :) I look forward to any future updates, especially concerning that fork... 😬

[@Bathykolpian]

My 27.5 fathom 2 has the fork ‘issue’, but it’s genuinely not a huge problem, just some slight clicking sound when it compresses. But bearing in mind the Crest performs just as well as the same level rockshox or suntour it’s a damn good fork

[@GregAspenson]

Hey Kyle, you still happy with this bike? I’m looking to upgrade from the Marin Bobcat Trail 3.

[@LGDE88]

How's living in Bentonville anything you miss from living in San Antonio?

[@CobraKyle]

Hey Ed! It's pretty cool living here. Still kind of surreal as far as the riding goes. I always liked San Antonio. Miss my family and HEB lol

[@nicssuarez1136]

i have a clicking issue on my giant xtc slr 2 same crest 34 fork but shorter travel

[@eugene44569]

idk if you still have it but you probably can just put the xcr off the xtrada on the giant if the crest is GIANT pain

[@matejbabic7358]

so polygon, vitus or giant hardtail?

[@copecortes8556]

Recently purchased a fathom 29 2 But came with the 0mm chainring Can you help me with the info to get the correct chainring 3mm from praxis

[@CobraKyle]

No problem! I emailed [e-mail] and they've been awesome handling the situation.

[@seojayden2053]

Thinking to buy secondhand Polygon siskiu d6 2018 vs. GT avalanche expert 2014 vs. Giant fathom 29 2 2017. Which one would be the best choice if its conditions and prices are same. Please help me any advice and suggestions? Thanks!

[@Gravelbike360]

Is this bike comes with Praxis PF BB? Is the praxis BB compatible with Deore crank?

[@ВладимирУ-ч7ъ]

Will this frame size be comfortable for 180 cm, what do you think?

[@youfelixx]

I wanna replace the fork cause it's awful. What can I buy? I would go also for a 140mm 150mm if it doesn't chance geometry or if it changes it for the better.

[@erikd6124]

Why not s bomber z2? My dream fork on a budget

[@joshcastaneda8190]

Dang this bike is kinda cool

[@benjaminvelic8577]

Hi, maybe a funny question but I never had 1x12 bikes. On 3x7 on left handle you change 3 speeds, on right one other 12. So on the 1x12 on right side I guess you change thoes 12 speeds, but what on the left side, since it has only one speed?

[@CobraKyle]

On bikes with 1x12 all shifting is done on right side. Left paddle is for your dropper seat post if bike is equipped with one.

[@benjaminvelic8577]

@@CobraKyle thank you

[@GregAspenson]

How tall are you? I'm 5'10" and not sure whether to get the medium or large. You base your choice on reach? My current bike is 445mm reach and feels tight in the cockpit. I'm sure I could always get a shorter stem if it feels too long.

[@DanyaAnderson]

I'm 5'10 and traded the medium for the large - much better

[@jasonlash6479]

Interesting on the chainring, got my kids Talon 4's and having the problem with the chain coming off during climbs, and going over bumps at time also. Extremely annoying but the dealer is taking care of it now.

[@CobraKyle]

It's possible they had the same problem on the Talons. Good to hear they are taking care of you! Mistakes are ok as long as they fix them!

[@jonog5632]

It's cause they run a shamano altus without a clutch an the chain bounces around also they shop wouldn't of indexed the gears properly

[@aaronsmith1280]

So how does the roscoe 8 compare can you go backpacking on roscoe 8 are is it specifically trail bike if anyone can help with this as I'm looking into it for an all around bike

[@hallstewart]

Incredible after all these years they are still fitting a 0mm chainring on this frame when quite clearly a 3mm chainring is needed (from personal experience on my 2019 model); shame on you Giant! Also the press fit BB and self-tension crankset is a major pain and creaks within a couple of rides of new bearings. For goodness sakes Giant - give up on press fit BB and fit a BB and crankset that actually works. And I swapped out the fork for a Rev and more reliable no-name dropper and a shorter stem and wider bar. Saying that, it is still my favourite xc/trail MTB ever to ride, largely down to the great frame, wheels and tyres.

[@killerpitdbo]

Bought this bike today. I watched your review and others before purchasing. I liked it and felt good so I went for it. What’s are your thoughts after more time with it?

[@CobraKyle]

Very cool and congrats! I'm still enjoying the bike and haven't made any upgrades on it. I rode some rock/tech black diamonds yesterday, and can certainly tell the fork isn't fully up to the task of really hard riding. Greens and blues it does fine, but as you start to push it...I wouldn't mind a different fork. Otherwise, great bike!

[@Forthetimebeing72]

@@CobraKyle z2 son

[@lence2775]

1.does the rear axle use a 148mm or 141mm qr since giant doesnt state 2. is it centerlock rotors?

[@CobraKyle]

Hello! Rear axle is a 12x148. This model also came with centerlock rotors.

[@R3k3tty3]

Can I ask how tall are you since you are riding the size L? I'm looking for this bike, and i'm 191 cm or (as google converted it) 6'3", i don't know if i should buy the L or the XL, any advice? Great video, keep them coming!

[@CobraKyle]

Hello and thank you! I'm 6' tall with a 32" inseam. I would say at 6'3" you'd fit better on the XL.

[@peterborsody3434]

With my 5'11", was hesitating between M or L, finally the L was choosen.

[@PieterFret]

@@peterborsody3434 Good choice. I'm 5'7" (171 cm) and ordered a Medium. I considered a Small for a while, but the cockpit would've been a bit cramped.

[@DanyaAnderson]

I'm only 5'10 and at times wonder if XL would be better so go XL imo

[@Manicsar1]

I was looking to buy a Gaint Talon 1 or the Fathom 2 29' but I'll be honest if they can't have a fork that doesn't need a warning label on it, on a bike that cost 1k plus, I'm just going to keep my Fuji Nevada 1.7 29' I got back in 2019 for 500 dollars that is just about equal to this one that they now want 1.5k for??????

[@Cmc7799]

No problem with my crest. More rebound stops that sound

[@CobraKyle]

Good to know! Quite a few people commented that their fork is functioning well. Mine is still holding up too!

[@killerpitdbo]

Hi guys. Just picked up another fathom 2 for my girlfriend. My crest has never made that swooshing noise. The other one they had in shop does not make it. I had one ordered in small size and it makes that swooshing sound. I asked the bike mechanic and he said it’s normal and just because it has new seals and will go away. Both other bikes were brand new and no sound. It’s just annoying hitting every bump and hearing it. I tried the rebound both directions and still there. I asked why my bike and other bike didn’t do it with no answer.

[@peterstaniszewski8802]

Hey mate! Looking to buy a hardtail in your opinion which is more supple, the extrada or the fathom? Keep up the good work!

[@zureai]

Which one did you get

[@Jayy-birdd]

Maby them frame isn't until the parts go on that make it spec to another lvl

[@jonog5632]

Man I kind of was keen untill I see they put quick release on a dropper what the..

[@Gravelbike360]

Fortunately mine comes with SR suntour Raidon 34 and I have no issue at all

[@spiffpilot2589]

Hey genius, about the press fit bottom bracket: guess what’s pressed into a threaded bottom bracket? The bearings. There is nothing wrong with press fit BB’s. As for the clicking in the fork: a piece of foam tape under the air cap fixes it. Annoying? Certainly. But it’s a $250 fork on a $1500 bike. It’s not the end of the world.

[@CobraKyle]

I prefer a threaded bottom bracket. Big difference when it comes time to change a press fit vs. a threaded one. I agree a clicking noise isn't the end of the world, but worth mentioning for potential buyers. As I said towards the end...all bikes in this price range come with some compromise, and unfortunately it's usually a cheap fork.

[@maximme]

great comparison with Xtrada 7 which was my original choice. Think I am convinced for Fathom 2. BUT its soooo difficult to get ANY TECHNICAL info on Giant fork....just a lot of words with little data. THAT IS JUST A RED FLAG.... is it an AIR FORK ?

[@curtiswatkins2219]

Yes, it’s an air fork.

[@gbj6581]

Which one did you end up getting

[@philiptreuer9088]

Thanks for the very helpful review. I'm thinking about getting this bike which is available in my local bike shop. Have you had any issues with the clicking? And can you really fix it with a piece of foam tape under the air cap? If so why hasn't Giant dealt with this problem with what would seem to be an easy fix?

[@sk8planb24]

They addressed and fixed the fork supposedly on the 22’ model. I have a 22’ fathom 29 2 and have yet to experience the clicking.

[@curtiswatkins2219]

I have the 2022, 29 2. Have been riding it a couple days a week for three months now and haven’t had any problem with the fork so far.

[@szolekxxx]

@@curtiswatkins2219 what about the chain slip? is it fixed in 2022 model?

[@curtiswatkins2219]

@@szolekxxx No chain slip it all. Keep in mind the 2022 fathom 2 has the 10 speed. Folks that had chain slip were experiencing it on the 12 speed. I’ll also add that after 7 months, still no problem with the fork either.

[@szolekxxx]

@@curtiswatkins2219 thank you

[@Ronnocicusv2y]

That joke was funny and lane at the same time😂

[@CobraKyle]

Lol that perfectly describes it!

[@Ronnocicusv2y]

I meant lame

[@harrygrimley4352]

That's a good looking bike. Probably not the bikes fault you crashed?🤔

[@CobraKyle]

haha nope. 100% rider error!

[@NVYOUTUBE01]

a stock new bike never comes with tyre sealant inside it cause the sealant itself has a life span before it dries out ..

[@CopperCityPatriot]

Love hardtails. More time on the trails, less time adjusting. And the prices are typically down-to-Earth. Been trying to receive a Giant Fathom. All out-of-stock. Since the Pandemic, almost all brands make a bunch of frames, wait a few months for them to sell, and then decide whether to make more, depending on how many customers are wanting(needing)such a frame model. Definitely increases corporate profit, but also makes it very hard for customers to attain what we want. Example is bike wheels. Needed a replacement rear all-mountain wheel. All through 2021, out-of-stock. Over a dozen brands. 2022...same thing, so far, Except for overseas dealers. But they do not ship to the USA. So. For now, the Zaskar LT, rear is using a XC Alexrim. Basically, if ya do not purchase your rig/components in the Autumn, or late Spring, ya can basically forget about owning any such brand.

[@CobraKyle]

Hardtails are super fun! The Fathom is certainly a tough bike to get ahold of. Even though I didn't need it, I bought it anyways to give it a try. Just rode it to breakfast this morning and it's a pretty rad bike for the price.

[@brianlyttle1338]

I have a store near me in Colorado Springs that has 6 of these bikes in there store the place is called Ted’s give them a call!

[@Loneranger670]

There is nothing “entry level” about this bike. It’s a very capable bike and climbs better than a mountain goat. 👍🏻

[@eugene44569]

Giant and schwinn are the AZ ice tea of bikes. More so schwinn IMO since the axum dp stayed 500 for 2 years even though they made a new size

[@spiffpilot2589]

Giant is the number 1 bike manufacturer in the world. Odds are they made the frame you’re currently riding. Please go be ignorant somewhere else.

[@EnglebertHumperdinck]

The sticker thing would be a deal breaker for me.

[@ryanrayburn1894]

I'm glad you fired that guy.... I hate him.

[@CobraKyle]

It's so hard to find good help these days.

[@masoodpathan9897]

Omg this was so funny

[@Smegma_pirate]

Member, those climbs are no longer techy. They are now “crappy rocky” trails

[@JogieGlenMait16]

man, i'd pay 800 for the bike with those specs.

[@mohammadsohel510]

U gotta put skinny wheels 🤣.

[@willienillie6337]

It’s a no for me.

[@sondon7103]

Nice looking bike but poor quality control or poor transport.Rear wheel has major issues right out of the box. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Rear axle is bent! Derailleur is misaligned.Since the rear wheel comes assembled I would have expected better.Assembly instructions poorly written, but that was not unexpected...just annoying.I just had the bike checked at a shop and was told that I should contact the seller about getting a whole rear wheel assembly with cartridge. (The bike shop could not do anything to help me).Not a good experience with this bike, so lesson learned.Added 3 stars for excellent customer serviceUpdate Sept 8 2020Just received a complete replacement wheel for free. Great service and an otherwise fine bike.

[@peterbedford2610]

$1300...entry level???

[@BikeLife154]

This bike is junk! I have the 2022 version. Terrible fork even on the 2022! I want my money back Giant! Nice review!

[@darkwinter-lll]

That bike sounds terrible 😊